Mary Duplantis Alleman

January 10, 1929 - April 24, 2013

NEW IBERIA – A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Mrs. Homer Alleman, the former Mary Duplantis, age 84, at 12:00 Noon Saturday, April 27, 2013 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church. Fr. Mark Derise will be the celebrant. Interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.

A gathering of family and friends will be held at Evangeline Funeral Home on Saturday from 8:00 am until 11:30 am, with the Rosary being recited at 10:00 am.

Mary and her husband Homer, have owned Alleman's Grocery for 50 years. She also worked for several years with the Iberia Parish School Board and Soileau's. She faithfully attended Mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, where she was a longtime parishioner. Mary enjoyed going dancing, trips to the casino, and most importantly, spending time with her family. She will be missed dearly by all who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her husband of 68 years Homer Alleman of New Iberia; her children, Ron Alleman, Diana Babin and husband Lewis, Herman Alleman and wife Catherine, Jimmy Alleman and Julia Maturin (a niece whom she raised as her own child); eleven grandchildren, Rhonda Champagne and husband Blaine, Shannon Alleman, Pauline Jordan and husband David, Michelle Quibodeaux and husband Brice, Carolynn Ridge and husband Eddie, Suzanna Mire and husband JonPaul, Melissa Louviere and husband Mike, Charlotte Alleman, Renee, Laura, and Brent; 17 great grandchildren; one great great grandchild; and her siblings; Verly, Carrol, Jeanette, Raymond, Allen, Randy and Annette.

Evangeline Funeral Homes, Inc. of New Iberia (337) 364-1881 is in charge of arrangements.

EULOGY - Delivered by Herman's wife, Catherine

MARY LOUISE DUPLANTIS ALLEMAN

Mary was born on January 10, 1929. She married Homer Alleman on October 7, 1944. She and Mr. Homer were married 68½ years. In this day and time, being married that long is remarkable. They set a wonderful example for their descendants. They have four children: Ronald Alleman, Diane Alleman Babin, Herman Alleman and Jimmy Alleman. They had 9 grandchildren and 3 step-grandchildren. Their grandson, Brent, preceded both of them in death. They have eight great-grandchildren and seven step- great grandchildren.

When I think of Mrs. Alleman, three qualities describe her. These are hard working, faithful, and loving. Mary began working when she was a young girl, just as most people did back then. She was alive during the Great Depression as well as World War II. Things were difficult back then and people had to work hard and sacrifice. It has been said that theirs was the 'Greatest Generation'. Mrs. Mary held several jobs outside of the home. She helped the family by picking pecans, cotton, peppers, and okra. She took care of the bookkeeping and paid the farmers from whom they purchased okra, etc. She worked in the cafeteria at Coteau Elementary School and in Alleman's Grocery Store.

Just the other night Mr. Alleman spoke about what a wonderful cook she was. Her house was so immaculate that you could have eaten off of the floors. When I'd go over there, it smelled like a hospital in that it was so clean. When Herman and I were dating, we'd come home at 11:00 or 12:00 and see her cleaning the carport and the driveway. I'd say, "Herman, isn't your mama scared being alone out here at this time of night?"

She told me that she relied on the "blood of Jesus" to protect her. She was deeply religious and kept holy water along with several statues in her car. I guess she knew what kind of driver I was and wanted to protect herself, me and the car. When Michelle got married, she asked me to go shopping with her to buy a dress for the wedding. She wanted me to go into the dressing room. When she undressed, at least four statues tumbled to the floor. She read her Bible and I know she contributed to several worthy causes. After Herman and I met, she told me this story. She often saw Herman just walking in the yard after Carol died and he seemed to be so lonely. She began praying for God to send him a Christian wife. About two weeks after she began this prayer campaign, he and I met and her prayers were answered.

Mrs. Mary loved to go to the casino. One night she called Herman at 1:00 in the morning and said she had a flat tire when returning from the casino She asked if he could come to fix it. Herman grabbed a can of "Fix a Flat". When we arrived at the scene, we discovered that the tire was blown to pieces. Ten cans of "Fix a Flat" would not have done the job so Herman changed it. Another time before she had her stroke I took she and Mrs. Bernice (my daddy's girlfriend) to spend the day in Marksville. When the day came to an end, I was the only one who had money left because I sat and read a book while they played. Mrs. Bernice said she did not even have enough money to "flag a bread" and Mrs. Mary was in the same predicament. I called Mr. Homer on my phone and jokingly told him that we had no money and were almost out of gas. He said we'd better get home the best way we could. I certainly enjoyed those times and I think she did as well.

Mrs. Mary loved Jesus, her husband, her children and grandchildren and her friends. She provided a temporary home when one was needed and was generous with her love and support. She loved her family with all her heart. Every time we'd visit, she would tell us she loved us. She always asked about the children and grandchildren. She was a faithful and loving wife, mother and grandmother. She never gave up on her children or grandchildren. When they'd stumble and fall she'd reach out with a helping hand and good advice.

These two scripture readings describe Mrs. Mary perfectly,

Proverbs 31:10-12 – "A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good not harm all the days of her life."

Proverbs 31:28 Her children arise and call her blessed: her husband also, and he praises her: Many women do noble things but you surpass them all."

We will miss you Mary, Mama, and Grandma. We love you so much. I know Jesus welcomed you with loving arms and said, "Well done, my good and faithful servant."